During this annual celebration time for excellence in the movies industry, let’s congratulate Cameron Wilson and Rachel Louie during their second anniversary owning and operating the Morro Bay Theater. What a treat not to have to leave town to comfortably enjoy a first run — even an Oscar winning film — on the big screen. Not only did the Wilson family “save” a beloved icon when Mary Lou Jannopoulos retired after 25 years, but the couple has embraced her original concept of a community theater. This was a major reason, and nod to both previous and current owners the Morro Bay Theater, was awarded the 2024 Business of the Year.
Cameron explained, “Mary Lou had already built the template and occasionally worked with groups on special movie events.” Since January 20, 2024, he and Rachel have regularly reserved Monday evenings to partner with organizations for the mutual benefit of all. They treasure each new relationship made while partnering to help these groups raise needed funding. In return, they hope they have influenced those who love watching movies on the big screen to come out for both the Monday night benefit movies and the first-run films they are offering.
Most recently they hosted the Morro Bay Bird Festival registrants and interested community movie goers to the classic film, “The Big Year” starring Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Nelson. The purpose? One of the keynote presenters, Greg Miller, was the real-life inspiration and birding consultant for Jack Black’s character during the filming of the movie. After the film, Miller shared his unique experience sharing time and birding information with all three movie stars.
It all started when Mayor Carla Wixom was contacted by the production crew of the 2024 film “Camera,” directed by Jay Silverman starring Beau Bridges. They had selected Morro Bay as the location to film. Once completed, Silverman hoped to premier his film at the Morro Bay Theater but due to industry rules, pre-launch films could be shown, but not for the production company’s profit. He asked Mayor Wixom to suggest a nonprofit group to host and earn the proceeds. She suggested the Theater Arts Department of Morro Bay High School. “It was a hit,” said Cameron. “We added a second showing and the student group collected around $5,000. We have been doing Monday Night Movies with other nonprofits since.”
How does it work? The group brainstorms with Cameron to select available movies that will be popular and/or consistent with the goals of the group. They pay a preset rental fee for the theater to cover the movie rental and staff operations. Invited guests and day-of public walk-ups purchase tickets and the group collects full proceeds for the evening’s viewing. Staff enjoys greeting guests and manages the concession stand sales. Groups have gotten creative by offering additional fundraising opportunities like purchased wine-tasting or a silent auction. Before and after the film, the group has time to thank sponsors and offer Q&A with topical guests.
“Monday Night Movies has been a successful program we hope to continue and even build on,” said Cameron. And as a big believer of giving back to show appreciation for their community support, he has joined the board of directors of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. He suggested he and Rachel are also brainstorming some additional future benefits to be offered during movie nights.
Meanwhile, some groups continue to book annually. Others like Morro Bay’s Rock Radio 107.3 schedules quarterly movie nights. “They go all-out to have some fun” Cameron explained, “They encourage role-playing based on the characters in the film, offer awards for best costume, plus offer a silent auction. “Cheech & Chong” is next on April 20.”
Other examples include the Kindness Coalition, which typically selects a coastal nature film. Kathryn de Lancellotti works with Cameron to select additional short films as a bonus. She also brings in local musical talent. The Morro Bay Maritime Museum schedules annually offering fishing industry and maritime related films. This year on May 18 the group has selected “The Hunt for Red October” which features the DSRV submarine that showcases MBMM’s parking lot entrance on the Embarcadero. Another example is Lilliana and Jeff Plumber, co-directors of this month’s Cambria Film Festival. They often offer short films produced by local talent and members of the Cambria Central Coast Film Society. The proceeds provide scholarships for local emerging film creators.
Cameron and Rachel were not total neophytes in the film industry when they decided to accept management of their family-owned operation. Both were film majors in college — he at UCSD and she at NYU. They met in New York while he was on tour with his band and ended up staying in New York to work with her building film sets for the company she had worked with for several years. “Now that we live in the middle of California, we are the hub for family and friends to visit here in Morro Bay,” Cameron said. Her family is from San Francisco, and his parents still live in San Diego. “Our New York friends fly into LA and it’s just a couple hours to get to Morro Bay.”
Getting Cameron and Rachel back to the West Coast was strategic intent by both their families. “My sister Mia Wilson Wing lives here and heard the Bay Theater was for sale.” Their parents Scott and Shannon Wilson, being graduates of Cal Poly, still love visiting. Scott, an entrepreneur of several business ventures, had just sold his golf simulator business and wanted to reinvest some of the proceeds in the arts. It became the perfect ulterior motive to entice Cameron and Rachel to leave New York.
Cameron explained, “During my visit to see the theater, Mia told us how much Morro Bay valued the theater, so my dad was satisfied it would receive continued community support.” Mia, however, cautioned if purchased there would be expectations that the Wilsons should maintain some of the things that had kept the Jannopoulos family in business for years when so many other community theaters were folding.
Cameron’s first impression was “Why would we want to change a thing?”
But let’s not forget the Morro Bay Theater shows blockbuster and independent films seven days a week. “December through March is an interesting and popular time to attend the movies.” Cameron said. “We have booked several of the films nominated for awards during the Academy Awards and Golden Globes. “Hamnet” has already played, but watch for “Train Dreams,” “Bugonia,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Sinners.”
“I can’t book all of them,” Cameron added. “I have learned what Morro Bay viewers prefer, typically drama, romance and comedy. I’ve never booked a horror slasher film.” He admits some of the classic horror films have been offered during a Monday Night Benefit event.
So, what is the best way for the community to provide support, so the Morro Bay Theater remains our movie theater for eons to come? As the saying goes – See something! Say something! Cameron demonstrated how well this simple offering works for them. “Last month “Song Song Blue” was a favorite. The grapevine chatter from friend to friend plus the repeat business made our attendance for that film huge.” And they also sell yummy real-butter popcorn!
For more information about Morro Bay Theater, go to www.morrobaymovie.com or call (805)772-2444.
